Steroid Shots Do Little to Improve Sciatica

A recent Australian medical study found that spinal injections of corticosteroids had no measurable effect on sciatica pain. Sciatica is a common symptom that consists of leg pain caused by nerve irritation or impingement of the spinal nerve roots of the lower back and/or the sciatic nerve itself. In randomized controlled trials, researchers found little difference in the relief offered by the injections and a placebo. After analyzing results from nearly two dozen clinical trials involving thousands of sciatica patients, they concluded that the shots did little to help. Despite this, in recent years the use of epidural steroid injections to treat back pain has soared from 741,000 in 2000 to approximately 1,438,000 in 2004. In the U.S., corticosteroid shots are expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars per shot. Recently, a tainted supply of a steroid included in the trials was tied to a nationwide outbreak of fungal meningitis that infected 400 people and led to 31 deaths. The researchers concluded that sciatica patients should consult with their physician and consider alternate forms of treatment, including chiropractic care and only in extreme cases, surgery.

World Diabetes at Record Levels, But Half Are Undiagnosed

A new report published by the International Diabetes Federation puts the worldwide number of people living with diabetes at 371 million, up from 366 million a year ago. The IDF estimates that of that number, 187 million people do not yet know they are suffering from the condition. Limited access to healthcare in developing nations often means the disease goes undiagnosed. While often viewed as primarily a Western problem, diabetes is spreading rapidly in poorer countries; four out of five diabetics now live in low and middle-income countries. Treatment of diabetes in these countries is often more difficult, especially when it comes to insulin, which requires refrigeration to prevent deterioration. The report projects that over 552 million people will have developed diabetes by 2030. Untreated, the disease can lead to serious complications, including blindness, nerve and kidney damage. Worldwide, over 4.8 million people a year die from diabetes, making it one of a number of health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, that healthcare campaigners want included in the next set of global development goals.

Injuries Increasing for Kids Using Bounce Houses

Experts recently reported that the number of children in the US injured while using inflatable bounce houses has increased to 15 times 1995 levels. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that there are now approximately five injuries annually per 100,000 children. While the bounce-related injuries are much lower than trampoline injuries, the researchers point out that the study allows parents to make informed decisions. The number of kids being brought into emergency rooms for bounce-related accidents increased from 702 in 1995 to 11,311 children in 2010. The rise in the rate of injuries was attributed both to an increase in the use of the inflatable toys and better reporting of mishaps. Injuries reported included, broken bones, sprains, contusions, cuts and bruises. Researchers suggest parents follow simple guidelines when children use bounce houses to minimize risk, including limiting use to children 6 years old and older, limiting the number of children using them to at one time and only allowing use with adult supervision.

American Diets Vary Widely, Many Fall Short of Guidelines

A new survey of 8,272 Americans’ eating habits, unsurprisingly confirms that many in the US fall short of nutritional recommendations. The study, conducted by the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, compared what people said they ate to nutritional guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The study’s authors found that children and the elderly generally ate a healthier diet than younger and middle aged adults, and that women ate better than men. Differences were also noted along racial lines, with Hispanics generally enjoying higher-quality diets than blacks or whites. Similarly, income appeared to play a factor, as higher income adults generally met more of the guidelines. No group, however, came close to meeting all of the recommendations. In recent years, the American diet has come under close scrutiny, due to an explosion in the public rates of obesity, diabetes and heart-disease. The researchers suggest Americans eat more fruits and vegetables and increase their levels of physical exercise.